Another WOW in West Virginia

Covering all aspects of the industry—from chefs and restaurateurs to cookbook authors and food journalists to restaurant designers and architects and more—the James Beard Foundation Awards are the highest distinction for food and beverage professionals working in North America. It is with great honor that Damian Heath of Berkeley Spring’s Lot 12 was nominated as a Semi-Finalist as Best Chef in the Southeast in 2012 following his nomination in 2011

We HAD to check this out. Duty requires it…and thank you WVFarm2u Collaborative, once again,  for giving me this assignment.

Lot 12 refers to the house lot in the original 1777 subdivision of land up the slope from the center of  Bath, more commonly known as Berkeley Springs. Located in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, the town is located about 2 hours from Washington, DC, making it an enjoyable trip out of the congestion.

Seating is provided inside as well as on the generous wrap-around porch overlooking the front gardens, planted with kitchen herbs as well as decorative shrubs and flowers.

Damian grew up in Berkeley Springs but had not planned to be a chef. However, after a couple of years at Shepherd College he went to culinary school and then spent a couple of years in Europe. Damian and Betsy met when both were working at another restaurant in the area and after a time in Charleston, South Carolina they came back to the Eastern Panhandle and opened Lot 12 in August 1999.

They upgraded the electrical, plumbing and added a kitchen. The upstairs rooms were designed for private dining for 25-30 people and they often host rehearsal dinners and small company events.  Over all they can seat 16 on the porch, 36 inside and an additional 6 at the bar.

The menu changes seasonally. Betsy and Damian are members of Slow Food USA, Local Harvest, Collaborative of the 21st Century Appalachia,Buy Fresh Buy Local WV and many local organizations working toward local food production and consumption. Damian has always utilized the freshest ingredients by working closely with local farmers & growers, family gardens, a large organic garden at their private residence as well as a bountiful herb garden outside the front door of Lot 12. He believes working closely with local growers encourages sustainable agriculture, provides the community with a more healthy & fresher food, and ultimately leads to a stronger local economy. Local suppliers include vendors at the Berkeley Springs Farmers market, Pipe Dreams Fromage, Greencastle Coffee Roasters, Glascock’s Produce, Mock’s Greenhouse and Wisteria Gardens.

duck

smoked fish appetizer

veal

pork belly appetizer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Lot 12 is what my family considers a “special occasion” restaurant. One where the prices are a bit higher than our typical fine dining budget but one where every bite is superbly prepared and well worth the cost. The high value of the dining experience at Lot 12 is well worth the trip.

Lot 12 Public House

117 Warren St
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

(304) 258-6264